We are sad to report the passing of Renée Asherson, aged 99, on 30 October.
Renée was Robert Donat’s second wife. They married in 1953 and remained married, though separated, until he died in 1958. Renée never re-married.
Renée was born in London during the First World War (19 May, 1915), and studied acting at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. Her first stage role was a walk on in John Gielgud’s Romeo and Juliet in 1935.
In 1945, she appeared as Millie Southern opposite Robert Donat in Walter Greenwood’s northern comedy, The Cure for Love. In 1947, RD and Renée appeared as Benedick and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, and in 1949 in RD’s film version of The Cure for Love. By now, they were a couple. Renée and RD worked together only once more, in The Magic Box in 1951.
Robert and Renée in The Cure for Love
In 1953, after RD’s triumph on stage in Murder in the Cathedral, he and Renée were married.
After RD’s death in 1958, Renée continued to work both on stage and screen. Her last film appearance was in The Others in 2001.
Renée Asherson is perhaps best known for her exquisite performance as Princess Katherine in Laurence Olivier’s 1944 film of Henry V.
A stand-out in her later career came in Memento Mori in 1992, opposite Maggie Smith, Michael Hordern, Thora Hird, Cyril Cusack and Maurice Denham.
We send our deepest sympathies to all who are mourning Renée.
Robert Donat 
Well done, Gill – how lovely she was.
Brian
Thanks Brian
Lovely tribute Gill. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks George x
sad to hear the news of the passing of a great actress and the wife of the great actor Robert Donat
These are very belated condolences for the passing of a fine actress. I remember about 30 years ago attending a special screening of ‘Perfect Strangers’ all the Donat family were in attendance too which was marvellous. I am only sorry now I did not approach them.
She was such as sweet Princess Katherine in Olivier’s ‘Henry V’
Yes, she was indeed a fine actress and so pretty, another of those beautiful English roses. Loved her in Henry V with Larry.
Will someone please tell this American ignoramus how to pronounce Donat? I’ve heard three different versions.
Robert is in my top five actors of all time. Goodbye, Mr. Chips and The 39 Steps. Both classics.
Thanks from Illinois, USA.
Thanks Tom, I’m glad you enjoyed.
Oh and I should add, in British English, the emphasis is on the first syllable of Donat. So, DOUGH gnat. There are memebers of the family in North America, and they may pronounce differently perhaps.
Yes, Dough gnat is how I pronounce it. Thanks.